book review

Review


Stephen King’s A Memoir of the Craft is part autobiography, part writer’s handbook, and total enjoyment. With his easy to read style, King gives us readers a glimpse into his often-painful childhood without an ounce of self-pity or even a veiled plea for sympathy. King’s fans will be fascinated by his behind-the-scenes look at the planning, writing, and publication of some of his most famous works. The chapter on the two high school classmates who unknowingly inspired Carrie, for example, will move even the most jaded reader. The section on King’s near fatal accident and lengthy recovery reminds us of how close we came to losing him in 1999. Although filled with laugh out loud anecdotes and self-deprecating humor, A Memoir of the Craft lovingly reveres the two most important women in King’s life, his mother Nellie and his wife Tabitha. He thanks his late mother for encouraging his earliest attempts at story telling and never doubting his talent. He credits his dear Tabby for his physical and mental health as well as his continued success. The most amazing part of the book, however, is King’s generous advice to all would-be and actually-are writers. Throughout the book, he reminds us that writers must read, as well as write, every day. He gleefully dismisses conventional wisdom such as “write what you know” as well as the perceived need for plot outlines. Entertaining us all the while, King walks us through description, dialogue, and character development, showing rather than telling, how it is all done. Even the sacred cows of literature, symbolism and theme, seem clear and approachable after King’s explanations, illustrations, and examples. Never shy with praise and criticism for other writers, King concludes his book with a list of 100 of his favorite books. It’s not Oprah’s book club, he warns, but it just might help.